A gossip-worthy set

I love Gossip Girl. Still. Some say the writing has gone downhill this season, but I don't care. I'm in it for the long haul. So imagine my excitement when I came across an InStyle feature showcasing some of the fabulous rooms on the set. 

The article not only provides an in-depth glimpse at the pretty spaces, but gives tips on how to incorporate elements of the set into your own rooms. The recommended items are hella expensive, but you can use it as a guideline for trips to Goodwill, HomeGoods and IKEA.

Now, if only someone would showcase Chuck Bass' Empire Hotel.

Love, love, love the Prada picture and the white couches (of course).

Polka dots = Still my fave.

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And because I still think Chuck and Blair are destined to be together ...

Not your average motivational poster

Too often we get bogged down in our fast-paced lifestyles. These graphic prints by Swedish-based designer Therese Sennerholt are a sweet reminder to keep it fun and positive. I can't decide what I like better: The message or the fabulous typography. 

And just in time for Christmas. Santa, are you listening?

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Happy Giving of Thanks

May your day be blessed and filled with love, thankfulness, yummy food and football.

This year I am most grateful for:

+ My amazing, patient, talented, supportive, kind and inspiring fiance. 
+ The incredible relationship I have with my mother. 
+ The freedom to write in this forum.
+ Seeing history firsthand in Washington D.C.
+ My furry child falling asleep in my lap.
+ The resolve to get healthy.
+ Bangs.
+ Laughter.
+ The birth of my first nephew.
+ Experiencing daylight at 11 p.m. in Alaska. 
+ Mashed potatoes. 
+ Phoenix's live music scene.
+ Finding my wedding dress.
+ Celebrating my Grandmas' 85th and 93rd Birthdays.
+ The clarity to know when it's time to move on.
+ Shelter to decorate.
+ A newfound love of graphic design.
+ Driving with the sunroof open in November.
+ Reconnecting with old friends.
+ The possibility of World travel.
+ Zigzags, stripes and polka dots.
+ Modest Mouse still making albums.
+ Black beans.
+ Having holidays off.
+ Vibrant color.
+ The Cougs' first Pac-10 football win in two years.
+ New beginnings.
+ Fall in Arizona.
+ The courage to leave behind what I thought would be a lifelong career.
+ Keeping in touch via Facebook.
+ The ability to go home for Christmas for the first time in six years.
+ Discovering the blogosphere.

Glendale and antiques = A match made in thrifty Heaven

There's a reason Glendale is dubbed "Arizona's Antique Capital." The historic downtown part of the city houses 22 vintage stores alone, and the fiance and I experienced a few of the shops firsthand Saturday. 

My favorite store was Antique Treasures, which was like taking a trip back in time. Even though I didn't bring anything home, these gems caught my eye. We're planning on going to Sun City this weekend for a thrifting adventure. Cross your fingers I'll find a credenza or campaign furniture.

Antique Treasures finds

If only these mirrors were a little more affordable. I wanted to take all three home.

 

 

 

 

 

This bar cart was like $25. I had to ask the dude at the counter if that was the correct price.

 

This bud vase would look amazing on my nightstand.

 

These gold clovers would be a cute and quirky addition to any vignette.

 

No shortage of milk glass here.

 The books of my childhood.

You could probably trade this Barry Bonds figure for some HGH and syringes.

Lance > Joey.

I really, really, really wanted this dainty perfume bottle. So pretty.

I'm dying over the swirly design on this vanity tray.

I'm on an elephant kick right now. And yellow. Perfect.

Hello, Chevron-esque book spine.

 

A Mad Hatter's Antiques finds

The geometric pattern on these tiny plates is beautiful.

The camera loves cameras.

You can work up an appetite vintage shopping all day. Nothing a little German cuisine at Haus Murphy's can't cure. The restaurant was featured on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and it was yummy. You can't go wrong with the paprika schnitzel, Weihenstephan Hefeweizen and vanilla bread pudding.

 

Full fiance = Happy fiance.

I heart art: Inspiration in the hills

Talking with artists can be just as inspiring as viewing their work. And on Sunday, I was invigorated. Not only was it cool these painters, photographers, jewelry makers, sculptors and potters opened up their studios for the Hidden In The Hills tour in Cavecreek, but each took the time to chat with me. No question was too insignificant or unworthy of a response. 

It was exciting to see where each artist's journey began and what keeps them going. I was asked several times if I was an artist and while I balk at that notion, painter Jaxine M. Cummins put it in perspective. Cummins, who didn't start painting until she was 50, told me "if someone understands and likes your work, you're an artist." With that advice at the forefront, I think photography and painting classes are in my near future.

I didn't take pictures out of respect for the art, and honestly I was too busy chatting and listening. But here is a small portion of the work of some of the artists I had the pleasure of speaking with. Now, if only I could hit the jackpot to be able to have their beautiful art live in the townhouse.

If you're in the Phoenix area, there are three more chances (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) to be inspired before the tour ends this weekend.

Pat Cain 

 

 

 

 

Jossy Lownes

 

 

 Jaxine M. Cummins

Joel Wolfson

 

 

 

 

 

Betsy Glatz

 

 

Kyle Hobratschk

 

 

Alan Lowy

 

[all images courtesy of artists]

Check out more pretty art here.